The role of legislation and management practices in the coal mining industry on the Olifants River catchment, South Africa

Abstract:

The economic development of South Africa has relied heavily on coal mining and water quality is adversely affected by mining - thus coal mining poses a significant risk to South Africa’s water resources. Ensuring judicious use and management of natural capital is always a complex undertaking but the benefits to the mining industry and society as a whole, derived from thoroughly laid-out plans, a supportive but strict regulatory environment and decision-making processes based on sound, scientific information are immense. Value addition to mining products is important to promote conservation of assets and resources. Using the Olifants Water Management Area as a case study, the chemistry of groundwater associated with coal mining was characterised. General concepts regarding the relationship of geology to water chemistry are surmised. Copyright